Children and young people are flagged if they are at risk of becoming or are already involved in criminal or anti-social gang activity, or because they are at risk of becoming victims of gang violence.

Assaults on bus drivers have also spiked, with First Bus operators confirming serious incidents occurring on the route number 75 and 76 while driving through Hartcliffe as well as on the 90 while driving through Knowle West.

Number of children at risk of being inducted into gangs are increasing (Image: PA)

'There is a general feeling of uneasiness around here at the moment'

This has led to a number of communities around the city to question their safety. Mum of two teenagers, Clementine Richard, 37, from Barton Hill said: "There is a general feeling of uneasiness around here at the moment."

Almudena Lara, NSPCC’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “It is hugely concerning that such large numbers of children are at risk of gangs.

“Gang activity is incredibly dangerous with young people being coerced into moving drugs and weapons for the benefit of others.

“Those affected are also often victims of violence and sexual exploitation.

“Support for young people requires a coordinated effort from schools, local authorities, police and youth services, so that they have a realistic alternative to life in a gang.

“Those worried about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Childline is also there 24/7 to listen confidentially to any children who may be scared to seek help - 0800 1111.”

Parent reports a "general feeling of uneasiness" in Bristol

Nationally, the number of cases where children were identified as being at risk from gangs after being referred to social services increased from 6,570 in 2016/17 to 8,650 in 2017/18.

The figure stood at just 3,700 in 2014/15, meaning it has more than doubled since then.

While gangs are often seen as a predominantly London-based issue, only around a third of cases seen nationally were in the city - 3,130 in total.

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A further 1,290 cases were highlighted in the North West, 970 in the South East, 800 in both the West Midlands and East of England, 530 in the South West, 510 in the East Midlands, and 490 in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Major cities like Birmingham and Liverpool saw particularly high numbers of children at risk, but so did more rural areas such as Lancashire and Gloucestershire.